Application Deadline:
No Fixed Date
About Organisation
The Draper Richards Kaplan (DRK) Foundation is a leading supporter of early-stage social impact organizations tackling urgent global challenges. With a focus on bold, scalable, and data-driven solutions, DRK funds mission-driven ventures that aim to transform social and environmental systems. The foundation seeks organizations that work within existing infrastructures to create sustainable and measurable impact, particularly for underserved or marginalized populations. DRK’s approach emphasizes long-term relationships, providing not only unrestricted grant funding but also hands-on capacity-building support. Operating across regions such as Africa, Europe, India, and the United States, DRK has a strong global presence and invests in organizations that are post-pilot but pre-scale, helping them expand their reach and grow their impact. Their portfolio spans nonprofits and mission-driven for-profit ventures, including 501(c)(3), B Corporations, C Corporations, or similar structures. With a commitment to fostering innovation, DRK offers strategic guidance, networking opportunities, and technical assistance to ensure ventures are equipped to scale sustainably. The foundation’s rolling application process makes funding accessible year-round, though competition remains highly selective, with only around 20 organizations chosen annually.
About the Grant
The DRK Foundation provides catalytic support through unrestricted grants or investment capital of up to USD 300,000 over a three-year period. This funding is tailored to early-stage organizations ready to scale proven solutions to pressing social and environmental issues. Beyond financial support, grantees benefit from capacity-building services valued at over USD 500,000, including strategic planning, fundraising, talent development, governance strengthening, and board support. Each organization is paired with a senior DRK team member who serves on its board and provides hands-on guidance. Funding is disbursed in multiple tranches, depending on organizational needs, and may include investment capital or grant funding based on discussions during onboarding. DRK’s support model also facilitates community connections, offering access to a global network of fellows, funders, and alumni through events, retreats, and peer learning forums. The foundation’s objective is to assist organizations with clear pathways to scale, a focus on measurable impact, and sustainable financial models. By combining capital, expertise, and community, DRK empowers ventures to grow exponentially while addressing systemic challenges.
Who can Apply?
DRK funds early-stage social impact organizations that are post-pilot and pre-scale, typically between 2–5 years old, though some flexibility is considered. Eligible applicants must be structured as nonprofit or mission-driven for-profit entities, such as 501(c)(3), B Corporations, or C Corporations, including fiscally sponsored initiatives planning to spin out. Organizations must demonstrate measurable impact through pilot evidence and be financially sustainable or in the process of developing income streams. DRK prioritizes ventures that are problem-first—addressing urgent social or environmental challenges—and systemic in approach, working within or alongside existing institutions. Eligible organizations must be capable of directly impacting at least 10,000 lives within five years and be based in or operating within Africa, Europe, India, and the United States (with select cases from Latin America considered). For-profit ventures must be at the Seed to Series A stage and should not exceed a post-money valuation of USD 15 million. Founders must be fully committed or planning to go full-time soon, possess lived or deeply informed experience, and be open to continuous learning and collaboration with DRK’s team. Applications from idea-stage or post-Series A organizations are not eligible.
How to Apply?
Applications are accepted on a rolling basis through DRK’s website, with no fixed deadline. Interested organizations can submit their proposals at any time. The process includes an online application, followed by a competitive review. Organizations should clearly demonstrate their impact, sustainability, and scaling potential. Only about 20 organizations are selected annually, so applicants must be prepared to engage deeply with the DRK team over a three-year partnership.
Application Deadline
Applications are open throughout the year on a rolling basis. Interested organizations can apply anytime, although only around 20 are selected annually due to the program’s highly competitive nature.
Last Date To Apply
For more information, please visit the grant website here.
